Heart of Loyalty Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Heart of Loyalty Recap
Grand Preceptor Pang, having received a fabricated message indicating that Pang Long had stationed his troops in Bazhou, held a clandestine meeting with the rebel leaders. He promised them ministerial posts and titles of nobility, asserting that the time was ripe for their ambitions, as the Imperial City's defenses were weak and everything they desired would soon be within their grasp.
He commanded archers to enter the palace first to occupy the watchtowers, while other generals were to lead their men, identified by triangle scarves on their chests, through Xihua Gate at seven in the morning. The rebels, kneeling before him, hailed his impending success. In the midst of a storm, Grand Preceptor Pang, accompanied by three ministers, sought an audience with the Emperor.
Feigning concern for the Emperor's health, which he claimed was declining due to overwork, Grand Preceptor Pang suggested the Emperor abdicate. When asked who should succeed him, Pang named the Second Prince, his eight-year-old grandson. This blatant display of ambition enraged the Emperor, who had previously only believed Pang to be greedy. As the Emperor ordered Pang's arrest, hidden guards revealed themselves, and Zhan Zhao held a sword to Pang's neck.
Pang, unfazed, reminded Official Bao to consider the Emperor's safety, and an arrow immediately pierced the desk in front of the monarch. Grand Preceptor Pang confessed his belief that the Emperor was too lenient, which he claimed had led Song to its current state. He envisioned a powerful Song under his rule, where "vermin" (those seeking disaster relief funds) would be eradicated, the state would be enriched, and its territory expanded.
The Emperor countered that he would protect every citizen of Song and would not whitewash any situation. Pang then revealed his alliance with Yelv Hongji of Liao, stating that their defeat was imminent. However, Zhao Yu, who suddenly appeared, refuted Pang's claim, explaining that Yelv Hongji aspired to be a benevolent ruler and had already ordered all the stolen money embezzled by Pang to be returned to Song. Zhao Yu declared that Pang had no escape route.
Pang was stunned to see Zhao Yu alive, realizing the elaborate deception. Zhao Yu, along with Prince Ning and Mo Yan, had orchestrated her fake death to draw out Grand Preceptor Pang and expose his treason. She had not informed Su Zui of the plan, believing he did not love her and wanting to release him from any perceived obligation.
Meanwhile, Su Zui, having regained his resolve, had quietly infiltrated the palace and single-handedly eliminated the archers hidden in the watchtowers. As other rebel forces outside the palace prepared to attack, Wu Zi Chu, acting on Prince Ning's orders, led his troops to engage them. Inside the hall, Mo Yan informed Grand Preceptor Pang that Zhan Zhao had captured Pang Long and brought him back to Kaifeng City Office, revealing that the "message" Pang had received was a fabrication.
Official Bao elaborated that the Song generals had feigned their deployment to the border, only to turn back and station themselves in Henan, awaiting orders. This strategy led Pang to believe the palace was undermanned, allowing them to capture his forces. Although confronted with his impending defeat, Grand Preceptor Pang remained defiant, claiming he had a final contingency. Mo Yan suddenly recalled that Jianxian Rock, if consumed over time, could induce a loss of sensation.
True to her fears, rebels who had taken Jianxian Rock surged into the hall, impervious to pain. During the ensuing chaos, Grand Preceptor Pang abducted the Emperor and Mo Yan. To delay Zhan Zhao, Grand Preceptor Pang bound Mo Yan in a water dungeon. Zhan Zhao desperately tried to sever the chains, even risking injury by gripping the blade. Mo Yan urged him to leave to save himself, but Zhan Zhao refused to abandon her.
As the water level rose, Mo Yan discovered a drainage port, offering a glimmer of hope. Once rescued, Mo Yan pressed Zhan Zhao to pursue Grand Preceptor Pang, but Zhan Zhao assured her that he had already called for backup. Grand Preceptor Pang, clutching the Imperial Jade Seal, attempted to flee the palace, only to find Xiao Chen and Duan Qingyi blocking his path.
The two skillfully neutralized the remaining rebels and apprehended Grand Preceptor Pang, bringing him back to Kaifeng City Office. There, Official Bao, renowned for his integrity and righteousness, presided over Pang's trial, leading to his execution by beheading. Zhao Yu, filled with anticipation, approached Su Zui, asking if he had anything to say. Su Zui remained silent, and a heartbroken Zhao Yu began to walk away, tears welling in her eyes.
Su Zui called out to her, then revealed his past: he was decreed at sixteen to serve the country, spending eight years as an informant in Liao. Now, free from his undercover identity, he was merely a commoner. He then confessed his love for her, and Zhao Yu, having longed for those words, turned and embraced him. Their wedding was a joyful occasion, attended by the Emperor and Empress in disguise, as well as Yelv Hongji and Xiao Guan Yin.
Su Zui's pre-wedding jitters were eased by playful banter from Xiao Chen and encouraging words from Mo Yan and Duan Qingyi. Later, Zhan Zhao requested a leave of absence from Official Bao, explaining that after years of diligently upholding the law, he wished to spend more time with Mo Yan, confident that new talent would emerge to serve the court. While reluctant to lose Zhan Zhao, Official Bao understood his desire for a peaceful life.
Mo Yan interjected, clarifying that it was merely a three-month vacation to Shuzhong, not a permanent departure, much to Official Bao's amusement. Official Bao jokingly warned Mo Yan, a self-proclaimed slacker, not to forget her return date. Prince Ning affectionately urged Mo Yan to return soon and playfully threatened Zhan Zhao with imprisonment if he dared to bully her.
Official Bao, arriving late to see them off, bid the departing couples—Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, Xiao Chen and his wife, and Su Zui and Zhao Yu—a safe journey, reciting a poem to mark their farewell.
